True story, I misspelled "Iroquois" twice before finally copying and pasting it into the title field.

Enjoy a leisurely hike through the woodlands and hill top prairie of Iroquois Park with Dennis Crowley of the KY Trails Association. Moderate hike. Tennis shoes or boots recommended.

Saturday May 10, 2008
1PM-3PM

Space is limited so register early by calling Sarah Wolff at 502/432-2677 or e-mail Sarah at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

Hopefully by the time Friday April 18, 2008 rolls around this rain will have moved out and we can actually enjoy some outdoor events like hiking with your dog under the moonlight out at Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Come out to the Forest for an evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods.

Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines.

Meets at the Horine Reservation.

Reservations are required in advance.

Fee: $5 per dog
April 18, 2008
7PM-8:30PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502/368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

Seeing as I'm such a fan of spending time at Jefferson Memorial Forest it shouldn't surprise you that I think the Valentine's event at Jefferson Memorial Forest sounds absolutely fantastic and you should make your reservation for it right now.

Looking for something romantic to do with your sweetheart this year? Why not give them the moon, the stars, and all of Louisville? Join our staff for a romantic, candlelit hike through the Forest that ends with an incredible view of the lights of Louisville. The hike's destination is the Forest's beautiful Manor House, where you'll be greeted by a roaring fire to warm you up, hot beverages and desserts provided by local bakeries.

Meets in the Horine Reservation. Fee: $20 per couple.

Reservations must be made by Monday, February 11, 2008.

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

Candlelit hiking through the forest? Roaring fire with hot beverages and desserts waiting for you when the hike is done? Come on, you just can't beat that. And it's only $20 per couple? That's an absolute steal. Quick, quick you should already have your reservations by now.

The worst thing about hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest? Getting there. Be warned. If you’re not careful Google Maps will give you bad directions that force you first to trespass onto some scary guy’s compound in the woods. See the end of this post for general directions. The best thing about hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest? Everything else.

With over 35 miles of hiking trails that range from easy paved ones to strenuous hilly paths deep in the forest, a lake, camping and picnic sites, bird watching facilities and more Jefferson Memorial Forest is a dream come true for outdoor lovers of all varieties. I’m not the camping type and I don’t like fishing but I’m totally in love with hiking. So last week I headed out, tiny dog in tow, to give the trails at Jefferson Memorial a look.

Nothing gets the blood pumping like a nice hike in the forest on a brisk morning. If you've set a resolution for losing weight/getting healthier/ adding more fun physical activity like this into your life is a really good place to start.

Learn the story of how the Forest came into existence as well as some of the history behind the names associated with the Forest. Program includes tours of our two most known structures.

Group meets at the Horine Conference Center.

Reservations are required in advance.

Saturday January 5, 2008 9AM-12:30PM
Fee: $5 per person

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

Join us for this family program that includes a presentation of owls native to Kentucky and a live owl demonstration. After viewing the tamed owls up close, participants will be led on a night hike through Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve in search of owls in the urban forest.

Saturday November 17 6:30PM
Space is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Cost is: $7 for members, $10 for non-members.

Call the Nature Center at (502) 458-1328 for more information and to reserve your space!

OK so maybe not Hedwig but with owls from Wingspan of Kentucky.

Learn about the silent nighttime hunters that call the Forest home. See some of Kentucky’s owls from Wingspan of Kentucky up close, and go on a short hike to listen for these majestic birds while learning some of their calls. Families welcome; an adult must accompany all children. Program meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5.00 - pre-registration is required

If you don't get enough walking in tonight up and down Bardstown Road or Frankfort Avenue head to Jefferson Memorial Forest for the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike.

"Mayor Jerry Abramson is encouraging Louisville residents to “hit the trail” on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the fourth Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest. The free event is part of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement designed to encourage healthy behavior including better nutrition and increased physical activity."

"With more than 6,000 acres, Jefferson Memorial Forest is the nation’s largest municipal urban forest. The forest features more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails.

The hike will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Horine Section of the forest, located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road in the southern portion of Louisville Metro. Five of the forest’s 13 trails will be featured, providing a range of options for hikers of all abilities. The trails range in length from one-fifth of a mile up to five miles, and have terrain varying from relatively flat to rugged. Stroller and wheelchair accessible trails are available.

Forest officials will provide a number of guided hikes, including children’s hikes and other hikes describing various forest features. All hikers will be provided maps that identify the trails.

Before and after the hike, the event area will feature children’s activities, hayrides, music and several information booths providing tips on hiking safety, trail etiquette and other healthy-living information."